Kusatsu Onsen getaway

One of the greatest benefits of H's position is our ability to fly easily and cheaply. At the last minute, if we have time from work, we can pop over to Japan to enjoy some food, sights, and shopping.

With a desire to escape the heat, visit onsen, and hike, we headed to Kusatsu for a few days. On our first night we met an old friend at a fantastic izakaya. We arrived early, when only a handful of tables were occupied. Over time, more customers arrived, filling tables and gradually raising the volume of conversation. By the time we left, the place was packed with folks enjoying a cold beer, excellent seafood and other dishes, and the company of friends.

Izakaya at 6:00pm

As delicious as it was beautiful

The next morning we awoke early and walked to Tsukiji market, only to find it closed for the day. I have been once before, but it would have been H's first time. We stopped at an udon and gyūdon fast food restaurant for breakfast, instead of having fresh sashimi as expected. It hit the spot.

Morning in Tsukiji

Breakfast of gyūdon

Then we boarded a train for Kusatsu. Upon arrival we ate lunch and walked around the Yubatake, or "hot water field," in the center of town, where the hot springs for the area inns is cooled and distributed.

The snacks and bento cart on the train

Soba, karaage, and rice for lunch

Yubatake

Clever signs embedded in the pavement directing tourists to Yubatake (left) and Jizōnoyu (right)

The real highlight of the trip for me was our full-day hike the next day from near the peak of Mt. Shirane all the way back to the center of Kusatsu. We had gorgeous weather, with clear blue skies. Luckily the hike was mostly downhill; unluckily we were in bear country. At the top we stopped in the information center, which featured trail and weather conditions. There was also a whiteboard that indicated recent bear sightings. We were instructed to purchase a bell to use while walking. The sound is enough to scare off a bear, to provide it warning that we are coming. The last thing you want to do is startle a bear. The views along the hike were stunning, and we paused frequently to soak it all in.

Yugama crater lake, near the summit of Mt. Shirane

Expansive views all along the hike

The path cuts through the forest beginning halfway down

Beware of bears (Kuma shutsubotsu chūi, Gunma Pref.)

Notice: In order to avoid a bear encounter, please walk with something that makes a sound, like a bell or a radio.

Back in town we soaked our tired feet in the foot bath next to Yubatake, then feasted at a grilled beef restaurant. Cold beer and tender beef - nothing beats it.

Adorable couple enjoying ice cream 

Yakiniku dinner

We spent the night at a tiny minshuku with a bath we could share. The whole trip brought back memories of our year in Oguni. The next day we traveled back to Tokyo, then Narita, then Singapore, all in a day. We were exhausted, but completely satisfied.